National Department of Health Graduate Internship 2026: Public Health Experience

Join the National Department of Health's 24-month internship in Pretoria! Gain hands-on experience in public health. Apply by 26 October 2026.

Published 10 October 2026
Closing Date 26 October 2026
Location
Opportunity

Are you a recent graduate eager to make a mark in public health? The National Department of Health in Pretoria offers an exciting 24-month internship to gain invaluable experience in the public service sector. Don’t miss out—apply by 26 October 2026!

About the Opportunity

The National Department of Health is extending an invitation to unemployed South African graduates to join their Graduate Internship Programme from 2026 to 2028. This 24-month internship, located in Pretoria, Gauteng, is designed to enhance the employability of graduates by providing them with practical workplace experience. Interns will work within the Chief Directorate: Trauma, Violence, and EMS, contributing to meaningful projects that impact public health.

Closing Date

Applications must be submitted by 26 October 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Interns will play a vital role in:
– Coordinating the import and export permit programme in compliance with regulations.
– Auditing Microbiology laboratories for Department of Health registration.
– Monitoring biosafety and biosecurity standards.
– Registering and auditing Tissue and Stem Cell Banks.
– Addressing inquiries from the clinical trial industry and health research sectors.
– Supporting postgraduate students in health sciences.

Requirements/Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Hold a Grade 12 certificate.
– Possess a National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
– Be currently unemployed and have no prior internship experience.

Benefits

Interns will receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75, providing financial support while gaining significant professional experience.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for graduates in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Health Sciences, or laboratory-related disciplines, especially those with a keen interest in regulatory work, laboratory compliance, biosafety, biosecurity, and public health administration.

Posted: 10 October 2026


How to Apply

Applications may be submitted by post, hand delivery, or email. Postal applications should be addressed to: The Director-General, National Department of Health, Private Bag X399, Pretoria, 0001. Hand-delivered applications can be submitted to: Reception – Brown Application Box, Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR, Pretoria. Email applications should be sent to: [email protected] with Reference Number: NDOH 81/2026 in the subject line. For Attention: Ms M Shitiba. For inquiries, contact M Kgasi at (012) 395 9029.